Friday, August 8, 2008

Trooper problems should be looked into
When a young man named Porter was killed by a trooper in Sterling several years ago, it was investigated by his brothers in blue. Most people I know think that the trooper should have been fired. This complaint and previous complaints against him for the incident were such as should of had him removed from the force, as he was, and I suppose he still is, a loose cannon.

Media is one-sided
Why is there no reporting on the fact that media matters has a tax-free status, yet they are blatantly political? Isn't it against the law to have any political affiliation?

Reader suggests a new shopping strategy
A few years ago my husband began bringing my attention to how much we buy in stores is "Made in China." I felt he was being extreme and overzealous when he asked me not to purchase him anything "Made in China" for Christmas. It seemed most everything I picked up at the time was "Made in China."

Reader stands by Kopp
I am writing this letter in reference to Chuck Kopp. Although I have never personally worked with Chuck, I am aware of his professional reputation and credentials as a police officer and leader in his community.

Chenault's vote questioned
Rep. Mike Chenault voted against AGIA and supports a project through Canada, meaning the producer pipeline. This despite the fact that the AGIA law was formulated and passed by the Legislature, one bidder met all the terms and conditions and the Legislature's own consultants said there is no down side to passing AGIA and tremendous potential upside.

Archaeological efforts continue in Kenai
Archaeological efforts are continuing at an old Dena'ina site on the east side of Kalifornsky Beach Road, roughly half a mile south of Bridge Access Road, and this time it's young diggers doing the excavating.

Owen Eugene Smith
Kenai resident Owen Eugene Smith died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage after an illness and complications from surgeries. His family and friends were at his side. He was 59.

Now's the time to make a difference
The ad could read something like this: Wanted: Hard-working public servants. Must inspire others to action, while rolling up their own sleeves for the difficult, nitty-gritty work of community building. Must know it all (or at least be willing to learn it all) without sounding like a know-it-all. Must be skilled at keeping mouth shut and ears open. Must be able to translate bureaucrat-ese into "human." Must dot all the "I"s and cross all the "T"s, while never losing sight of the big picture. Ability to stay cool when in hot seat extremely helpful. Strong backs and thick skins preferred. The hours stink -- on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pay is worse.

Fishing season not over for persistent anglers
Anglers feeling despair over the low showing of Kenai River reds, get ready to turn that frown upside down. Silver salmon have been hitting the river in decent numbers, and a bit earlier compared to their typical run pattern.

Boy Scout leadership meeting today

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
My friend Caleb is, what you might call, a "home-spun philosopher." He has some ready wit or wisdom for, seemingly, every occasion and situation. "Now," as he is prone to say, "take fears, for instance." (Just where you want to take them surely beats me, but take them anyway.) "Why I know some folks who have such a stack of fears that they pretty nearly aren't (actually Caleb used the word "ain't") able to accomplish anything in a life, much less a day."

Conference set for praise

Oilers resume play in tourney this morning
The Peninsula Oilers look to continue their successful run at the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan., today when they take on the Crestwood Panthers of Illinois at 7:15 a.m. Alaska time.